Massacoe State Forest, a Connecticut State Forest located near Agawam, Avon and Bloomfield

MASSACOE STATE FOREST

Massacoe State Forest was originally called the Simsbury Forest. It began with the first purchase of 119 acres in 1908. In 1949, it went from 244 acres to 99 acres when much of the forest went to the Parks Division to become Stratton Brook State Park. Thanks to the donation of the Great Pond property by James L. Goodwin through his will and another small acquisition, Massacoe State Forest is now 399 acres.

The forest is managed for sawtimber, firewood, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities such as hiking, jogging, fishing, and bird watching.

History of the Area

The proximity of Stratton Brook to the Hartford metropolitan area has made it one of the better known small parks of the State. It was originally called Massacoe State Forest and was acquired to demonstrate forest fire control adjacent to railroads. The railroad tracks have been replaced by an impressive bike trail shaded by white pines and traveling over scenic brooks. In 1996, this park became Connecticut's first state park that is completely accessible by wheelchair.

Passes

Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.

Nearby Vacation Rentals

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Location

Massacoe State Forest is located near Agawam, Avon and Bloomfield

Nearby Parks

Stratton Brook State Park

Talcott Mountain State Park

Penwood State Park

Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area

Nepaug State Forest

Shade Swamp State Wildlife Area

Nassahegan State Forest

Barber Pond State Wildlife Area

Sunset Rock State Park

Peoples State Forest

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Area Campgrounds

Lake Compounce Campground
185 Enterprise Drive
Bristol, CT
860-583-3300

White Pines Campground
232 Old North Road
Barkhamsted, CT
860-379-0124

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Directions

From the south and east: take I-91 north, Exit 36 (Route 178). Take a left at the end of the exit ramp onto Route 178 west. At the intersection of Route 178 and Route 185, turn right onto Route 185. Follow Route 185 to the intersection of Routes 10 and 202. Turn right onto Routes 10 and 202 north; go 1.8 miles to the intersection of Route 309. Turn left onto Route 309. Follow Route 309 for 1.6 miles to Stratton Brook on the left.

From the north: take I-91 south, Exit 40 (Route 20 west). Follow Route 20 west to the center of Granby. At the intersection of Routes 10 and 202, turn left onto Routes 10 and 202. Follow Routes 10 and 202 for 6.1 miles to the junction of Route 309. Turn right onto Route 309, and then follow Route 309 for 1.6 miles to Stratton Brook on the left.

From the west: take Route 44 east to the intersection of Routes 10 and 202. Turn left onto Routes 10 and 202 and follow for 4.6 miles to the intersection of Route 309. Turn left onto Route 309 and follow Route 309 for 1.6 miles to Stratton Brook on the left.